Baseball

Ryan Jaros made a huge impact during the Cougars Last Dance World Series Championship. Watch JSZ’s highlight reel from one of NJ’s rising stars on the diamond A Division I commitment as a freshman is rare, but Cranford third baseman Ryan Jaros is a rare talent. Jaros has given a verbal commitment to play in the ACC for Georgia Tech. He made the announcement via social media: I am excited and humbled to announce that I will be continuing my baseball and academic career at Georgia Tech. First, I would like to thank God for giving me this opportunity. Next, I want to thank all the coaches, teammates, friends and family that have supported me. #GoJackets pic.twitter.com/31dW1WlZtp— Ryan Jaros (@rjaros9) August 1, 2020 The 2020 high school baseball season never happened due to COVID-19 but Jaros was able to make an incredible debut on the varsity level. The Cranford 3rd baseman was immediately thrust into the Cougars starting lineup and consistently deliver big hits during the Last Dance World Series. Jaros had a bases-clearing three-run double in the championship game against Jackson Memorial, a two-run triple against Bergen Catholic and a 4 RBI game against Don Bosco Prep. His high school career is just nine games but he’s already put together an impressive highlight reel. Check out why Georgia Tech has picked up one of New Jersey’s rising stars:

What started as a 222-team pool of high school baseball teams earlier this month has been pared down to two final programs. Cougars Baseball (Cranford) and Jackson Jags (Jackson Memorial) have played through two weeks of baseball and earned their shot to vie for the Last Dance World Series championship, set to be played at Arm & Hammer Park on Friday, July 31 at 7:00 p.m. JSZ’s team of multimedia journalists have covered each team extensively leading up to the title game. Who are the top players on each team? What are the biggest storylines around each program? Our Jay Cook and Nery Rodriguez answer those questions and more in our LDWS Championship Preview. Jersey Sports Zone’s championship preview of the Last Dance World Series title game is presented to you by RWJ Barnabas Health, the tournament’s title sponsor. How They Got Here Cougars Baseball (Cranford) Cranford had big expectations coming into 2020 as they were set to be one of the top teams in all of Union County. Their balance of small ball, timely hitting and clutch pitching proved to be a recipe for success throughout the LDWS. The Cougars, who entered the tournament as the No. 13 seed, defeated Montclair (2019 Greater Newark Tournament champions), Ridgewood (2019 Group 4 state champions), Don Bosco Prep and Bergen Catholic en route to capture the Ben Luderer Memorial Trophy as LDWS North Region champions. Jackson Jags (Jackson Memorial) The No. 1 seed in the South region showed why they had the firepower to be one of the state’s best teams if the New Jersey spring sports season wasn’t cancelled. Jackson head coach Greg Malta has deployed a star-studded lineup loaded with big bats and Power 5 prospects who have suffocated opposing pitching staffs. Don’t forget about the Jags’ own aces on the mound who equally stifled the competition before convincingly raising the Jim Brown Memorial Trophy as South Jersey champs Wednesday night. Jersey Sports Zone’s highlights from the Last Dance World Series has been brought to you by Sterling National Bank

We now know the final four teams left in the 222-team Last Dance Tournament. JSZ has highlights from a pair of North Jersey games at TD Bank Ball Park and another duo from the South Jersey bracket at FirstEnergy Park in the Elite 8 round. Stay tuned as the highlights roll in all day long! Jersey Sports Zone’s Last Dance Tournament highlights are being brought to you by Sterling National Bank. North Region | Elite 8 | TD Bank Ballpark Bergen Catholic (BC Crusaders) 4 Delbarton (Tidal Wave) 2 Luis Delacruz was on his game Tuesday as the Bergen Catholic catcher knocked in all four of his team’s runs as the Crusaders stood tough and knocked out the defending Non-Public A champions. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights: Sponsor Shoutout! Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of all Bergen Catholic athletics is brought to you by Rothman Orthopaedics. Cranford (Cougar Baseball) 12 Don Bosco (DiamondBacks) 0 #13 seed Cranford punched its ticket to the North Region final with a dominating 12-0 victory over #1 seed Don Bosco. The Cougars held onto a tight 2-0 lead early before getting a jolt in the sixth inning when Cranford put six runs on the board. Aiden Plick and Ryan Juros combined for seven RBI’s while Will Gallagher pitched seven shutout innings, allowing just one hit and striking out eight. Cranford will face Bergen Catholic in the North final. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights:  South Region | Elite 8 | FirstEnergy Park Sader Baseball (Bishop Eustace) 3 vs. Gloucester Catholic (Brooklawn) 0 Eustace pitcher Anthony Solometo spent his first two seasons at GC, and the North Carolina commit threw a gem against his former team. Solometo allowed just one hit and struck out 12 in six innings of work. David Alleva delivered the key hit of the ballgame; a three-run homer in the 4th inning. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights and reaction: Coverage of Gloucester Catholic is made possible by NJM Insurance. Jackson Jags (Jackson Memorial) 6 Falcon Baseball (St. Joseph Met.) 1 Matt Potok went the distance on a 4-hitter, striking out 9 and walking none and the Jaguars touched two future ACC pitchers for four runs in the second inning to earn a spot in the South Championship game vs. Bishop Eustace. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights form Lakewood: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Jackson Memorial is brought to you by Louro Chiropractic Center Jersey Sports Zone’s championship preview and post-game MVP interviews this week are brought to you by RWJ Barnabas, the title sponsor of the Last Dance World Series

The Web Gems were off the charts in single elimination play across the state. Check out the top plays captured by JSZ cameras from Week Two of the Last Dance World Series and cast your vote! Baseball’s back and RWJBarnabas is helping JSZ celebrate its return with the top plays captured by our cameras from the second week of the Last Dance High School World Series. Watch the video below and then cast your vote for your favorite highlight. The winner of our poll will win a JSZ Game Ball and we’ll make a presentation next week during the last week of the Last Dance. The polls stay open through Sunday at 12 noon Take Our Poll Last Week, the Howell duo of Ryan Behnken and Chis Acampora won top play for their 7-2 double play against Monmouth Regional. We brought Game Balls and JSZ masks to the Rebels! Thanks to RWJBarnabas for sponsoring JSZ’s Top Plays and being the presenting sponsor of the Last Dance World Series

A new week means we’re down to the Round of 32 in the Last Dance Tournament. The stakes are high with single elimination action at big-time venues all over the state. Jersey Sports Zone has cameras at most of the games on Tuesday, so be sure to check back throughout the night for all of the exciting action! Jersey Sports Zone’s Last Dance Tournament highlights are being brought to you by Sterling National Bank. South Region | Arm & Hammer Park Dirty Boyz Liedtka Trucking 6 Lawrence Irish Road (Notre Dame) 2 It was a matchup many anticipated being the 2020 Mercer County Tournament Final prior to the cancellation of spring sports. Dirty Boyz Liedtka Trucking (Hamilton West) defeated Lawrence Road Irish (Notre Dame) 6-2 following a four-run rally in the top of the seventh started by senior David Zamora. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights:  Thank you to Princeton Orthopaedic Associates for sponsoring both our Hamilton West and Notre Dame coverage. South Region | First Energy Park Brooklawn (Gloucester Catholic) 1 Middletown North 0 Tyler Parks threw a gem for GC, allowing just three hits in a complete-game shutout. The UNC-Charlotte commit struck out six. Adam Gates played a big role in the win as well, throwing out a Lions runner at the plate, and driving in the only run of the game with a sixth-inning single. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights and reaction from the home of the Blue Claws in Lakewood: Coverage of Gloucester Catholic is brought to you by NJM Insurance. Middletown North coverage is made possible by ACI Medical and Dental School. South Region | First Energy Park Washington Twp. 11 Sussex Red (High Point/Wallkill Valley) 1 (5 innings) The Minutemen cruised into the Round of 16 thanks to strong outing on the hill from Nick Hammer. The La Salle commit allowed just one earned run in five innings of work. Dylan Sharkey and Colson Gonzalez both drove in runs, and had two hit apiece in the victory. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights from Lakewood: Coverage of Washington Township is made possible by Cooper University Health Care. North Region | Yogi Berra Stadium Don Bosco Prep 7 Governor Livingston 6 The Ironmen score six times in the sixth inning to avoid an upset and advance to the Last Dance Sweet 16. The Highlanders had the #1 seed in the North on the ropes scoring twice in the first and adding three more runs in the 5th to take a 5-0 lead. But Don Bosco had three 2-run base hits from Michael Drenzin, Kevin Stefanski and Charlie Granatelli to take a 7-5 lead. Governor Livingston loaded the bases in the 7th but saw a controversial non-call go against them and fell short as Caden Dana got the strikeout to end it with the go-ahead run on second base. This was one of the most thrilling games of the tournament and JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has all the highlights: North Region | Yogi Berra Stadium Bergen Catholic 10 Mount Olive 0 (6 innings) The Crusaders erupted for six runs in the bottom of the first inning and University of Maine commit Angelo Deer threw five shutout innings to get BC a spot in the Sweet 16 of the Last Dance. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights from Yogi Berra Stadium Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Bergen Catholic is brought to you by Rothman Orthopaedics North Region|TD Bank Ballpark Delbarton (Tidal Wave) 12 Wood-Ridge 0 The Tidal Wave has proven to be arguably one of the most complete teams competing in the Last Dance. Liam Corcoran, Mark Darakjy, Kyle Vinci, Matt Carey and Nick McLaughlin all contributed into another blowout win. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights: South Region | Arm & Hammer Park Jags (Jackson) 4 Middlesex 0 North Region|TD Bank Ballpark Cranford 13 Errico Baseball Club (Montclair) 9 The Cranford Cougars are moving forward in the Last Dance! Aiden Plick, Jake Diclerico, Mike Murphy powered an explosive Cougars offense through to the tournament’s next round. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights: South Region | Owens Park Bishop Eustace 11 Cherokee 5 The Crusaders erased a three-run deficit in the third inning, and pounced on some late mistakes to punch its ticket to the Round of 16. Charlie Sanzio and Joe Pence led the way for SBC, combining for 5 RBIs in the game. JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights from Owens Park: South Region | Owens Park Williamstown 7 BPC Spartans (Holy Spirit) 3 The Braves’ bats caught fire as they powered past the Spartans and into the Round of 16. Greg Zerbe got the Braves on the board with a solo homer in the second inning. Brody Colbert and Ryan Achey delivered a pair of 2 RBI singles as part of a five-run fourth inning. JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights from Owens Park: South Region | First Energy Park Kingsway 4 Howell 3 The Howell Rebels controlled the majority of the game off the efforts of Vin Impresa on the mound. But a late pitching change for the Rebels kept Kingsways hope alive. The comeback ensued and the Dragons put up three unanswered runs in the seventh inning to secure the win and advance to the Round of 16. JSZ’s Kenneth Bradley has the highlights from Lakewood: South Region | First Energy Park Falcons Baseball (St. Joes Metuchen) 6 Deptford 3 In their first game are the senseless death of former teammate Dan Anderl, St. Joes Metuchen was all business in their win over Deptford. The Falcons scored at least one run in the first 5 innings from a slew of players. Underclassman RHP and UVA Commit Donovan Zsak had 9 strikeouts over 6 IP for St. Joes. The Falcons will take on Williamstown tomorrow morning in the Round of 16. JSZ’s Kenneth Bradley has the highlights from Lakewood: Coming this Friday….JSZ Top Plays from the Last Dance Tournament We’ll compile the top plays captured by JSZ cameras in the second week of the Last Dance Tournament and ask you to vote for the top play. The winner of our poll this weekend will get a JSZ Game Ball and a presentation with their teammates. Thanks to RWJ Barnabas for supporting the Last Dance Tournament and our coverage!

Two region champions have pulled out of the single elimination portion of the Last Dance World Series due to positive tests for the coronavirus. JSZ has the new matchups and reaction from both teams The Last Dance World Series saw 333 games played over three days as 222 teams played baseball across the state. The 32 region winners are set to begin the single elimination portion of the tournament this Tuesday. Two of those region winners have made an early exit due to positive tests on the roster for the coronavirus. Middletown South and Point Pleasant Boro have both pulled out of the tournament in a story first reported by NJ Advance Media. Two play-in games originally scheduled for Monday have been canceled as all four teams (Gloucester Catholic, High Point, Jefferson, and Deptford) are now in the field of 32. Dave Esposito, the father of Eagles catcher Anthony Esposito was the head coach for the Middletown South baseball team in the Last Dance. “On Friday morning I was made aware of kids in the community that tested positive and were in contact with players on our team,” Esposito said. “At that point, those kids had to be tested. I felt the best thing to do was have all the kids tested and if everyone was negative we could still continue to play. After receiving some positive results on our team, we reached out to the tournament director, who said we could continue to play with the kids that tested negative. This morning I received a call telling me the CDC came back and said we would need to sit out five days and then have a negative test to play. At that point, the director had to remove us. I thought we had a real chance to advance far in this tournament but unfortunately, we will never know. Just being able to get on the field for three games is a blessing after losing the entire season. I hope the kids will at least remember the excitement especially in our final game and remember that for a lifetime.” Middletown South went 3-0 to win the Wall-Ocean Regional highlighted by a walk-off grand slam by Anthony Esposito in the bottom of the 7th to beat Matawan in what proved to be the Eagles final game. Middletown South would have played Middletown North in one of the state’s best rivalries but that game will not happen. Point Pleasant Boro had a player who tested positive on Saturday according to a report from the Shore Sports Network’s Matt Manley. Coach David Drew’s team was 3-0 in the Barnegat-Bayville Region scoring wins over Point Pleasant Beach, Barnegat, and Donovan Catholic. “The Panther Baseball community would like to thank the Last Dance tournament directors Mike Murry and John Kroeger for putting on a great event and for giving these seniors one last opportunity to play, ” Drew said. “We’d also like to thank Barnegat High School Head Baseball Coach Dan McCoy and Athletic Director John Germano and their staff for hosting. Although we ended the tournament the way we did, we are proud to say that we put the players and their families first. Winning will never be as important as family and that is what we are in Point Pleasant. Good luck to all the remaining teams and above all stay safe!” Red Bank Regional was supposed to play in the Red Bank-Belmar Regional hosted by Red Bank Catholic but was forced to pull out due to a player’s sister testing positive for COVID-19 just hours before their opening. Manasquan also had to exit the tournament before it began and schedules were adjusted. Wall took Manasquan’s place in the four-team pool hosted by CBA. The four Shore Conference teams are the only teams in the state that have dropped out of tournament play due to health and safety concerns. Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of the Last Dance Tournament continues on Tuesday throughout the state. Crowds are limited to 450 at each site per game and tickets are no longer being sold in advance. Fans will be able to purchase tickets on a first come, first serve basis. LAST DANCE ROUND OF 32 Tuesday, July 21 NORTH REGION Skylands Stadium, Augusta Bridgewater-Raritan vs. Jefferson, 10 a.m. Nutley vs. Ridgewood, 1 p.m. TD Bank Ballpark, Bridgewater Cranford vs. Montclair, 10 a.m. Delbarton vs. Wood-Ridge 1 p.m. Yogi Berra Stadium, Little Falls Bergen Catholic vs. Mount Olive, 10 a.m. Governor Livingston vs. Don Bosco Prep, 1 p.m. At Caven Point, Jersey City St. Peter’s Prep vs. Ridge, 11 a.m. Voorhees vs. Millburn, 3 p.m SOUTH REGION Arm & Hammer Park, Trenton Jackson Memorial vs. Middlesex, 3:30 p.m. Hamilton West vs. Notre Dame, 7 p.m. (sold out) Owens Park, Williamstown Cherokee vs Bishop Eustace 4 p.m. Holy Spirit vs. Williamstown, 7 p.m. FirstEnergy Park, Lakewood Middletown North vs. Brooklawn/Gloucester Catholic, 8:30 a.m. Sussex Red vs. Washington Township, 11:30 a.m. Kingsway vs. Howell, 3 p.m. St. Joseph (Met.) vs. Deptford, 6:30 p.m. LAST DANCE ROUND OF 16 Wednesday, July 22 North Region (Teams to be assigned after Tuesday’s play) Skylands Stadium, Augusta – Games at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Yogi Berra Stadium, Little Falls – Games at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. South Region (Teams to be assigned after Tuesday’s play) FirstEngergy Park, Lakewood – Games at 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m, 7:00 p.m. LAST DANCE ROUND OF 8 Tuesday, July 28 at TD Bank Ballpark, Bridgewater and First Energy Park, Lakewood LAST DANCE FINAL FOUR Wednesday, July 29 at Skylands Stadium, Augusta and First Energy Park Lakewood LAST DANCE CHAMPIONSHIP Friday, July 31 at Arm&Hammer Park, Trenton – 7:00 p.m. Jersey Sports Zone’s Last Dance Tournament highlights are being brought to you by Sterling National Bank Coming this Friday….JSZ Top Plays from the Last Dance Tournament We’ll compile the top plays captured by JSZ cameras in the first week of the Last Dance Tournament and ask you to vote for the top play. The winner of our poll this weekend will get a JSZ Game Ball and a presentation with their teammates. Thanks to RWJ Barnabas for supporting the Last Dance Tournament and our coverage!

It’s Region Championship Thursday in the Last Dance and the Jersey Sports Zone team has highlights from around the state as teams punch their ticket into next week’s single elimination tournament Jersey Sports Zone has our cameras bouncing around to regionals throughout the state. We will post our highlights throughout the day and night. Jersey Sports Zone’s Last Dance Tournament highlights are being brought to you by Sterling National Bank Red Bank-Belmar Region Championship Blue+Grey (Howell) 3 Neptune 1 Nick Guerrino’s RBI single to right in the 6th inning broke a 1-1 tie and the Rebels earn a spot in next week’s single elimination tournament thanks to strong pitching from Chris Ellison and Jake Lenardo. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights from Count Basie Park in Red Bank: Jersey City Region Championship Maroon & Silver (St. Peter’s Prep) 7 Bees Baseball (Bayonne) 0 Matt Moreira threw five shutout innings and the Marauders exploded with six runs in the fourth inning to give St. Peter’s Prep a spot in next week’s single elimination tournament. Joe Vuolo had three RBI’s and Roddy Hernandez had a two run double and started a critical 6-4-3 double play to get the Marauders out of a bases loaded jam. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights from Caven Point: Edison Regional Falcons (St. Joe’s Metuchen) 4 Eagles (Edison) 0 Bordentown Regional Dirty Boyz Liedtka Trucking (Hamilton West) 7 NJ Tigers (TCA) 1 Thank you to Princeton Orthopaedic Associates for sponsoring both our Hamilton West and Trenton Catholic coverage. Washington Region Championship Minutemen (Washington Twp.) 8 Garnets (Haddon Heights) 5 Rising junior Sam Kaschak threw a gem for the Minutemen, striking out ten and allowing just one run in six innings of work. Jim Hallman hit a two-run blast in the victory that proved to be the difference. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights from Washington Lake Park: JSZ’s coverage of Washington Twp. is brought to you by Cooper University Health Care. Bergen County Region Championship BC Crusaders (Bergen Catholic) 9 Bulldogs (Dwight-Englewood) 3 Tywone Malone, the No. 1 ranked football in New Jersey, continues to show why he might be the best pure slugger in the Garden State, as well. Malone crushed a double and a three-run triple to pace the Crusaders to a region championship in the Last Dance World Series. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights from Jersey City: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Bergen Catholic is brought to you by Rothman Orthopaedics. Bellmawr Region Championship Marlton (Cherokee) 18 No. Burlington 2 (Final/5) The Chiefs scored early and often as they cruised to the Bellmawr Region championship. Cherokee took advantage of walks and miscues by the Warriors as they put together an 11-run, two-out rally in the second inning and never looked back. JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights from Bellmawr Recreation Field: Ramsey Region Championship Diamond Backs (Don Bosco Prep) 13 Warrior Baseball (Waldwick) 0 Rising junior Kevin Jaxel was a true ace on the mound for the Ironmen Thursday night as he struck out 10 Waldwick batters and allowed only one hit through four innings of action. Don Bosco is the top overall seed in the North Jersey half of the bracket and has the tools to make a run in the Last Dance World Series. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights from Ramsey: Williamstown Region Championship Monroe Twp. (Williamstown) 11 EHC Pirates (Cedar Creek) 4 The Braves fell behind early, but RBI singles from Chris Montone, Caden Dulin and Jon Wood brought Williamstown back within one in the fifth. Then the Braves surged in front in the sixth, thanks to a key two-RBI single from Dulin. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights from Owens Park: Pitman Regional Championship SBC (Bishop Eustace) 15 Vineland 5 (Final/6) The Crusaders motor through to the round of 32 after a spectacular day at the plate against Vineland. Charlie Sanzio led the way with 4 RBIs, including a three-run homer in the fourth inning to break the game open. Anthony Solometo picked up the win on the mound and racked up nine strikeouts over four innings. JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights from Alcyon Park: Brick-Tri County Regional Championship Jackson Memorial 7 Manalapan 2 Two of the Shore Conferences top teams met in First Energy Park in Lakewood to see who would advance. Senior LHP Nick Beetel of Jackson Memorial had a strong outing on the mound only surrendering one run through four innings. The Jags put on an offensive show in the second inning, putting up six of their seven runs early. JSZ’s Kenneth Bradley has the highlights from Lakewood: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Jackson Memorial is brought to you by Louro Chiropractic Center. Coming this Friday….JSZ Top Plays from the Last Dance Tournament We’ll compile the top plays captured by JSZ cameras in the first week of the Last Dance Tournament and ask you to vote for the top play. The winner of our poll this weekend will get a JSZ Game Ball and a presentation with their teammates. Thanks to RWJ Barnabas for supporting the Last Dance Tournament and our coverage!

RWJBarnabas has been named the presenting sponsor for the upcoming Last Dance Baseball Tournament and is helping JSZ bring you extensive coverage of the 222 team event over three weeks in July The 222 team Last Dance World Series baseball tournament is almost here and the support of this amazing event continues to grow. RWJBarnabas is the title sponsor of the three-week winner take all tournament and will enhance JSZ’s coverage presenting Last Dance Top Plays. Following each round of the tournament, the top plays captured by JSZ cameras will be shown on Friday with fans getting the chance to vote for the Top Play through the weekend. The winner will get a JSZ Game Ball and a presentation with the entire team. Here’s the press release to announce RWJBarnabas as the presenting sponsor: RWJBarnabas Health, the largest and most comprehensive academic health care system in New Jersey, has been named the presenting sponsor of the New Jersey “Last Dance” World Series. Created to support high school student-athletes who missed out on the opportunity to compete for their schools during the spring baseball season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the New Jersey “Last Dance” World Series, presented by RWJBarnabas Health, will kick off with pool play July 14-16 at nearly 60 sites across the state. Barry H. Ostrowsky, RWJBarnabas Health president and CEO. (Photo: ~Courtesy of Thomas/Boyd Communications) “We applaud the organizers for creating this special event to showcase the talented student-athletes that missed out on so much this year,” said Barry H. Ostrowsky, President and Chief Executive Officer, RWJBarnabas Health. “The safety of the players, coaches, umpires, administrators and fans is the top priority, and the event staff has shown us a comprehensive plan to follow the necessary guidelines from the CDC and NJ Health Department.” Among the steps taken to maintain safety, the tournament committee has adopted all protocols and procedures from the state to conduct the event safely. This includes the integration of infrared thermometers for every site and additional PPE to adhere to all safety guidelines. Mike Murray Jr., center, with former St. Joseph baseball stars Matt and Jon Sot. (Photo: ~submitted photo) “We are taking our role very seriously in having rock solid infrastructure and protocols to be an example of youth sports conducted properly to hopefully give us a better understanding of what we’ll need for fall sports,” said Mike Murray, Jr., the athletic director and head baseball coach at St Joseph High School in Metuchen. “We do believe youth sports can be a sanctuary and critical to mental health of those participating and involved.” More than 220 teams from across the state will be competing on behalf of their communities in the tournament, as this event will serve as the final playing opportunity for the Class of 2020, encompassing more than 2,500 players. Several participating players are family members and friends of the 35,000 employees across RWJBarnabas Health, further aligning the health care system with the event. Logo for the New Jersey “Last Dance” World Series, presented by RWJBarnabas Health (Photo: ~submitted) The New Jersey “Last Dance” World Series, presented by RWJBarnabas Health, is broken into 32 eight-team regionals. The 32 regional champions will then compete in a single-elimination tournament at minor league stadiums throughout New Jersey.  The event culminates with the championship game at 7 p.m. on July 31 at Arm & Hammer Park in Trenton. Added Mr. Ostrowsky, “RWJBarnabas Health is committed to making a meaningful impact on the communities we serve, and this is an opportunity to reinforce our support for New Jersey student-athletes, in a safe environment.” About RWJBarnabas Health RWJBarnabas Health is the largest, most comprehensive academic health care system in New Jersey, with a service area covering nine counties with five million people. The system includes eleven acute care hospitals – Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville, Community Medical Center in Toms River, Jersey City Medical Center in Jersey City, Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Lakewood, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, RWJUH  in New Brunswick, RWJUH  Somerset in Somerville, RWJUH  Hamilton, RWJUH Rahway and Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston; three acute care children’s hospitals and a leading pediatric rehabilitation hospital with a network of outpatient centers, a freestanding 100-bed behavioral health center, two trauma centers, a satellite emergency department, ambulatory care centers, geriatric centers, the state’s largest behavioral health network, comprehensive home care and hospice programs, fitness and wellness centers, retail pharmacy services, a medical group, multi-site imaging centers and an accountable care organization.  RWJBarnabas health is the presenting sponsor of the New Jersey “Last Dance” World Series (Photo: bhuser) RWJBarnabas Health is New Jersey’s largest private employer – with more than 35,000 employees, 9,000 physicians and 1,000 residents and interns – and routinely captures national awards for outstanding quality and safety. RWJBarnabas Health in partnership with Rutgers University is creating New Jersey’s largest academic health care system.   The collaboration aligns RWJBarnabas Health with Rutgers’ education, research and clinical activities, including those at the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey – the state’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center – and Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.